Schistosoma mansoni as a cause of bloody stool in children

OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of schistosoma mansoni as a cause of bloody stool or diarrhea and study the clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics and regional distribution in Hajjah governorate.

METHODS: This was a hospital based study conducted in Hajjah town, from April 1997 to May 1999. Medical charts were reviewed for age, sex, area of residency, clinical presentation, number of previous schistosoma mansoni infections, possible causes of bloody stool or diarrhea, number of hospital visits and results of any radiological studies made.

RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty patients presented to the pediatric clinic with a history of bloody stool, 156 (43%) with schistosoma mansoni, older children formed 83% and boys 79.5%. Ninety five and a half per cent were from Hajjah governorate, 67% were from Hajjah town. Previous schistosoma mansoni infection was found in 19% and in 20% there was other associated parasitic infestation.

CONCLUSION: Schistosoma mansoni is a major health problem in Hajjah governorate. Older boys were the most at risk group. Patients in rural regions had difficulties in reaching the hospital, indicated by their low percentage compared to patients from urban areas.